Review Digital Camera World 05-23-2013

Digital Camera World

Best photo backpacks: 6 top models tested and rated May 22nd 2013, 23:01 In our latest group test of the top photo accessories we review 6 of the best photo backpacks on the market to find out which one offers the best balance of security and comfort. Fed up with conventional gadget bags giving you a pain in the neck and sliding off your shoulder at the most inconvenient moments? Load your kit into a photo backpack and the weight is distributed much more evenly. Both of your shoulders, your upper back and your pelvis all play a part in taking the strain. You get much more freedom of movement, with the pack staying firmly fixed in place. For added stability, especially on tricky terrain, an adjustable waist strap is usually fitted, as well as a chest strap that helps to stop the shoulder straps from sliding around. If you've got several lenses, a flashgun and other accessories, you're best off with a 'full photo' backpack, where the whole of the main compartment is given over to photography kit. The other option is a split photo/daypack but, as you'll see from the likes of the Hama, Think Tank and Vanguard backpacks in our test group, some new designs go all-out for versatility. Best photo backpacks: Hama Daytour 230 Price: £100, $150 Buy it: www.hama.com Can't decide between a full photo and split daypack? The innovative Hama Daytour offers both options in one bag. It's split into two sections but both are decked out with adjustable dividers for cosseting plenty of camera kit. Alternatively, you can remove the dividers from either or both sections to use the bag as a split photo daypack, or even just as a regular backpack. Full-length zips offer unrestricted access to the compartments, and both also feature quick-access openings for grabbing a camera with attached lens when you're in a hurry to capture a scene. Organiser sections are on hand for memory cards and batteries (separated between fresh and wasted) and filters. Extra external pockets are plentiful but there's no dedicated laptop compartment. Our Verdict Pros… Quick access to cameras, strong build, excellent value Cons… Not suitable for really long, super-telephoto lenses WE say… Well thought out, beautifully made, a top bargain Score: 4/5 Best photo backpacks: Hama Daytour 230 Best photo backpacks: Manfrotto Veloce VII Best photo backpacks: Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Best photo backpacks: Tamrac Expedition 6x Best photo backpacks: Think Tank Photo Glass Limo Best photo backpacks: Vanguard Quovio 44 Five things to look for in a photo backpack READ MORE Best Budget Tripods: 6 top models tested and rated 10 common camera mistakes every photographer makes 10 reasons why your photos aren’t sharp (and how to fix them) 10 things photographers can do to stop wasting pictures ​Add impact to still lifes using baking sheets for backgrounds May 22nd 2013, 10:00 In our latest DIY Photography Hacks post we revisit the kitchen as an ideal hunting ground for the DIY photographer. Here we show you how to use a baking sheet as a background texture to add impact to your still life photography. Words and images by Ben Brain Flowers make one of the most alluring subjects for still life photographers – not only are they beautiful to look at, they're also easy (and inexpensive) to source. And whether you choose to shoot them in their natural environment or in a makeshift home studio, one variety or another is available all year round. Here, we'll show you how to photograph a simple jar of tulips using just natural light from a window and a basic DIY reflector made of tin foil (to bounce light back onto the subject for more even lighting). Then, to enhance the image and add a more 'painterly' feel to the image, we'll explain how to add a texture. Experimenting with home-made textures is a great way to give your photos a creative finish, so here we'll add an image of some old paper that's been stained, scratched and marked. Download our 100 free Photoshop textures On some DSLRs it's possible to combine your texture and flower as a multiple exposure. However, for greater control we'll use Photoshop, where we'll incorporate our texture using layers and Blending Modes. Follow our simple steps to find out exactly how it's done… How to use textures and blending modes to get your DIY still life photography looking sharp Let there be light! In a simple home studio, try to use a background that complements your subject matter – we used an old dust sheet, which provided the perfect neutral backdrop. Place the jar of flowers near a window and then fashion a simple reflector out of silver foil to bounce light back onto your subject.   Create your texture It's a good idea to create a library of interesting textures, which you can then raid to add instant creativity to your photos, whatever their subject. Whether it's old paper, the grain patterns of wood, stone or even a roasting tin, keep your eyes open; you never know when they'll come in handy.   Merge your shots Open the flower and texture images in Photoshop CS or Photoshop Elements, and use Adobe Camera Raw to get them looking their best. Once you're happy with your images, open them both into one image as layers. Place the texture layer at the top of the stack and set the Blending Mode to Overlay. READ MORE Blend Modes: the 10 best blends for photographers (and how to use them) 10 common camera mistakes every photographer makes Refraction of light: capture amazing photography effects with a glass of water DIY Photography Hacks: make your own tripod holder

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